zodiac

noun

zo·​di·​ac ˈzō-dē-ˌak 

1

a

: an imaginary band in the heavens centered on the ecliptic that encompasses the apparent paths of all the planets and is divided into 12 constellations or signs each taken for astrological purposes to extend 30 degrees of longitude

b

: a figure representing the signs of the zodiac and their symbols

2

: a cyclic course

a zodiac of feasts and fasts

—R. W. Emerson

zodiacal

zō-ˈdī-ə-kəl 

zə-

adjective

Synonyms

• circle
• cycle
• merry-go-round
• round
• wheel

Examples of zodiac in a Sentence

a political candidate dealing with the never-ending zodiac of rubber-chicken dinners and meet and greets

Recent Examples on the Web

Read on for what this could mean for your zodiac sign. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025

People born in 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 and now 2025 are associated with the snake, per the Chinese zodiac. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2025

These pieces embody Eastern ideals of purity, elegance, and good fortune, establishing a seamless connection between the brand’s aesthetic and Chinese zodiac culture. —WWD, 29 Jan. 2025

Every 12 years the Lunar New Year cycles through the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. —Bryan West, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French zodias, zodiac, borrowed from Latin zōdiacus, adjective (in the combinations circulus/orbis zōdiacus "zodiac"), borrowed from Greek zōidiakós "zodiac" (originally modifying kýklos "circle"), from zṓidion "painted or carved figure, sign of the zodiac" (from zôion "animal, figure, image" + -idion, diminutive suffix) + -akos, variant of -ikos -ic entry 1 after a vowel — more at zoo-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing zodiac

• the zodiac

Kids Definition

zodiac

noun

zo·​di·​ac ˈzōd-ē-ˌak 

1

: an imaginary belt in the heavens that includes the apparent paths of most of the planets and is divided into 12 star groups or signs

2

: a figure showing the signs of the zodiac

zodiacal

zō-ˈdī-ə-kəl 

adjective

Etymology

Middle English zodiac "zodiac," from Latin zodiacus (same meaning), derived from Greek zōidion "carved or painted figure, sign of the zodiac," from zōion "living being, animal, figure"